“We got probably 700 cards in the week following his death and hundreds of people coming by to the house. He touched a lot of people.”— Brian Hyde, father

Hyde's ambition to become a leader began in the seventh grade, when he was voted class president. At Thomas Downey High School, he was a three-sport athlete, serving on at least one academic honor society while also serving as the first two-term student body president in the school's history. He graduated 23rd out of 968 cadets at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He had been a platoon leader just two months when he was killed by a roadside bomb.

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Seven memories of Daniel B. Hyde

“

At Downey High everyone's in mourning. All the teachers are sad that their all time favorite student has passed.

”
— Arleen, March 10, 2009 at 6:11 p.m.
“

Having gone to school with Daniel for three years, I can tell you he was the most genuine and accomplished person you can imagine. He was definitely a leader and someone who you will never forget and that's why his death is a shock to everyone who knew him and a loss for the world.

My heart goes out to all Downey teachers- when I found out I immediately knew how huge of a loss this was for my high school.

”
— Connie Farrell , March 10, 2009 at 10:22 p.m.
“

Although I only met Daniel when he was very young, I know his family-especially his Dad Brian and his Grandfather, Dick. What else would you expect from a "son of America" who was guided by these two very special gentlemen. My heart goes out to the Hyde Family-

Along with that, as the President of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 74, Modesto, all Unit members send their condolences.

May God Bless Daniel's family.

Cheri Duffy

”
— Cheri Duffy, March 20, 2009 at 5:47 p.m.
“

Daniel, your memorial today was amazing! Everything you wanted to happen did, you lived an amazing life and have an eternity to enjoy! Thank you for being such an inspiration. So many people talked about your smile, and your selfless attitude. One friend said you are his role model. Daniel, thank you for the life you lived. Our friendship was unbenownst really, just kept in touch through our parents, but everytime I hear about you saw your pictures, I could tell things were going great! God bless, you will be missed today, tomorrow, and forever.

”
— Lyndsey Nelson, March 21, 2009 at 4:59 p.m.
“

When i found out that daniel had passed away i was shocked as well. I did not know him that well but i knew he was a great guy. I think of him as a best freind of mine and a big brother to me. I wish i could of met him he was a great guy. There is not a day that goes by thjat i forget him. I vist him at his grave sight every mouth.

”
— Jason Manning, March 31, 2010 at 2:13 a.m.
“

Daniel was a great guy I respected this kid so much I was a grade behind him and daniel was the type of guy who stood up for kids that got picked on. During my sophmore year I filmed the basketball games one day I went to open gym with the team to shoot around well I got in the way of this guy dustin and he punched me in the chest and I basically collasped dustin was a hugh dude alot of the kids on the team laughed and made fun of me while daniel was one of the only guys that made sure I was ok and ill never forget the I love and miss you daniel you are an american hero R.I.P DANIEL HYDE

”
— Ernie tomassi, December 14, 2011 at 3:36 a.m.
“

Daniel Hyde was my quarterback, teammate, Hero and brother. I have looked up to Daniel since the day I met him. Seeing him drive up in the Trooper and seeing all the girls wanting him and guys wanting to be him made me love the guy. I miss him everyday and wear his chain around my neck as a reminder of his ultimate sacrifice. I love and miss you brother!

”
— DeShon Benton, February 28, 2013 at 2:12 p.m.

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